Gibernau fit for Sepang.

Ducati Marlboro's Sete Gibernau will make his second return from collarbone surgery in next weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang.

Gibernau broke his left collarbone during a turn one accident at Catalunya in mid-June, the resulting surgery forcing Sete to miss several events before returning at the German and American GPs. A lack of strength in his arm prompted post Laguna Seca checks, which revealed that the plate inserted into his collarbone had weakened and that a second surgery was therefore required, forcing the Spaniard to miss the recent Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno - an event won by team-mate Loris Capirossi.

On Wednesday (30th August) the Catalan went to see Doctors Xavier Mir and Ignacio Ginebreda, where various X-ray tests and examinations at the Dexeus University clinic showed that the injury is recovering well. Both doctors therefore confirmed that the former double MotoGP championship runner-up will be fit to race in the Malaysian GP - where Capirossi took victory one year ago, with then team-mate Carlos Checa third.

"All the tests I had to undergo have given positive results and we found the cause of the problem with the lack of strength in my left arm which was suffering after the first operation," said Gibernau. "It seems that there was a problem with the nerve, but there is no injury and we will resolve it with physiotherapy in that area for a complete recovery and by working with the team to find the best possible position for the handlebar.

"I am very happy to race in the next GP and I'm going to Malaysia in the best possible frame of mind, and for this I'd like to thank the team for being close to me at every moment. We were in Sepang for the pre-season tests and that might help us, but also Loris won here last year and after the win in Brno the team spirit is sky-high and I'm very happy to join up with them again. I just can't wait to get back in action!" he enthused.

"Having Sete with us once again is great for the team as a whole," said Ducati MotoGP project manager Livio Suppo. "We hope that his injury will cause him no further problems and that he can make a great comeback at Sepang and go on to complete the season on strong form."

Gibernau is yet to sign for 2007, but is expected to keep his place alongside the recently re-signed Capirossi.